December 29, 2012

How to think BIG about your writing and the other parts of your life

THIS brief series is designed to help you plan your writing and other goals in a way that makes them much easier to achieve.

In the first segment we looked at why NOW is the time to start doing what you really want to, and suggested a few questions that help you explore what you might like to change.

In the second segment there's a quick exercise to help you look at how you've been spending your time and what values you consider important...and the difference between the two.

In the third segment I introduced you to a powerful method, the zero-based approach. Below are the segments of your life that you might want to plan. Remember that the zero-based method calls for you to start with a blank slate.

Describe the ideal version of each of the following aspects of your life, some of which will overlap. Skip any that don’t relate to what you want, add any that are missing. Again, to help you feel as free as possible with your answers, I suggest using a private notebook or secret computer file.

Two things to keep in mind: one, you’re not setting goals at this point just engaging in some blue-sky thinking. Two, you’re not limiting yourself based on what is the case now; instead of writing, for instance, that you’d like to be fitter than you are now, describe the level of fitness you’d like to have.

Give yourself a bit of dramatic license; you’ll find it motivating to paint an exciting picture of what each aspect of your life will be like. “Basking in a golden sunset on an unspoiled beach in Bali with a cocktail in my hand” will get you more excited than “go somewhere sunny.” Some people find it more powerful collect images that represent their ideal rather than describing it in words. Do whatever you find most compelling, but don't make the mistake Edgar makes...

It's time to THINK BIG about:

Your health and fitness

Your primary relationship

Your relationships with your family

Your relationship with friends

Your career or achievements

Your creative self-expression

Your finances

Your skills

Where you live

How you live (lifestyle)

In the next posts we'll look at how to go from big thoughts to big actions!

Comments

THIS brief series is designed to help you plan your writing and other goals in a way that makes them much easier to achieve.

In the first segment we looked at why NOW is the time to start doing what you really want to, and suggested a few questions that help you explore what you might like to change.

In the second segment there's a quick exercise to help you look at how you've been spending your time and what values you consider important...and the difference between the two.

In the third segment I introduced you to a powerful method, the zero-based approach. Below are the segments of your life that you might want to plan. Remember that the zero-based method calls for you to start with a blank slate.

Describe the ideal version of each of the following aspects of your life, some of which will overlap. Skip any that don’t relate to what you want, add any that are missing. Again, to help you feel as free as possible with your answers, I suggest using a private notebook or secret computer file.

Two things to keep in mind: one, you’re not setting goals at this point just engaging in some blue-sky thinking. Two, you’re not limiting yourself based on what is the case now; instead of writing, for instance, that you’d like to be fitter than you are now, describe the level of fitness you’d like to have.

Give yourself a bit of dramatic license; you’ll find it motivating to paint an exciting picture of what each aspect of your life will be like. “Basking in a golden sunset on an unspoiled beach in Bali with a cocktail in my hand” will get you more excited than “go somewhere sunny.” Some people find it more powerful collect images that represent their ideal rather than describing it in words. Do whatever you find most compelling, but don't make the mistake Edgar makes...

It's time to THINK BIG about:

Your health and fitness

Your primary relationship

Your relationships with your family

Your relationship with friends

Your career or achievements

Your creative self-expression

Your finances

Your skills

Where you live

How you live (lifestyle)

In the next posts we'll look at how to go from big thoughts to big actions!